Our History

A Legacy of Nature-Inspired Innovation

Every impactful idea begins with a question. For Ecopha, the question was simple:

Can we replace harmful materials with products made entirely from nature - and make them perform just as well, if not better?

That question became the foundation of our company. What began as a modest initiative in 2008 has grown into a dynamic, globally connected platform dedicated to natural-material packaging and product solutions.

Today, Ecopha.shop supports a network of forward-thinking businesses, vendors, and consumers seeking alternatives to plastic. But before we were a marketplace, we were innovators - pioneers in harnessing bamboo, wood, paper, and plant fibers for real-world applications.

Humble Beginnings: Early Innovation and Research

Our story starts in Malaysia, where our founders - environmental researchers and entrepreneurs - began exploring alternative materials for packaging, foodservice, and retail needs. At the time, bamboo and molded pulp were used only in niche applications. Paper was often coated in plastic, and most compostable claims lacked the infrastructure to back them up.

We took a different approach - starting with the raw materials themselves. Our early research focused on:

• Understanding the growth cycles and sustainability of bamboo forests
• Improving the water resistance and durability of paper products
• Exploring lesser-used plant fibers like wheat straw, bagasse, and corn husk
• Finding local sourcing options that aligned with fair trade and low-emission principles

These studies led to the development of our first product lines - bamboo cutlery, kraft-based takeaway containers, and compostable drinkware accessories.

Building a Purpose-Driven Supply Chain

From day one, our goal wasn’t just to offer greener products - it was to rebuild the supply chain itself around transparency, responsibility, and long-term thinking.

Between 2009 and 2012, we worked closely with material producers, small-scale artisans, and forward-thinking manufacturers across Southeast Asia. Our mission was to:

• Help vendors scale without sacrificing sustainability
• Minimize packaging and shipping waste
• Create fair working conditions and ethical sourcing standards
• Design for true end-of-life compatibility (e.g., compostability or recyclability)

This foundational work laid the blueprint for the kind of platform we would one day become.

Expansion to Australia: Scaling with Vision

In 2013, we established operations in Western Australia, bringing our products to new markets and beginning our role as a regional hub for sustainable packaging.

From our base in Bentley, WA, we connected with hospitality brands, government procurement offices, and eco-conscious retailers seeking reliable, high-quality, plastic-free alternatives. During this time, our catalog grew to include:

• FSC-certified paper cups and trays
• Molded fiber packaging for takeaway
• Custom bamboo sets for hospitality and events

It was clear: the world was ready to move on from plastic - and we had the materials, mindset, and mission to lead the way.

The Shift to Platform: Ecopha.shop Is Born

By 2020, demand for our products had grown beyond our internal production capacity. More importantly, we saw growing interest from other makers of natural-material goods who lacked visibility or reach.

So, we evolved again - transforming from a supplier into a curated multi-vendor marketplace: Ecopha.shop.

This shift allowed us to:

• Host multiple vendors offering sustainable goods
• Maintain material standards across a growing catalog
• Provide tools for businesses to launch their own branded eco-stores
• Streamline shipping, customer support, and product discovery

Ecopha.shop became not only a commercial solution but a collaborative space for sustainable business.

Key Milestones

• 2008: Research and development begins in Malaysia
• 2010: Launch of first bamboo and kraft packaging range
• 2013: Ecopha establishes headquarters in Bentley, WA
• 2016: Launch of molded fiber line for foodservice
• 2018: Regional partnerships with composters and food retailers
• 2020: Launch of Ecopha.shop marketplace
• 2024: Over 1,000,000 units of plastic-free goods shipped

Each chapter has been driven by a blend of technical exploration, ethical commitment, and market responsiveness.

Our Ongoing Legacy

Today, Ecopha.shop continues to shape the future of sustainable materials by:

• Partnering with innovators to develop new plant fiber technologies
• Educating vendors and buyers on material performance and disposal
• Expanding our reach into new regions with high plastic reduction potential
• Advocating for stronger policies around natural-material adoption

Our legacy isn’t defined by what we’ve replaced - but by what we’ve made possible.

We envision a world where:

• Disposables return to the soil
• Packaging supports ecosystems, not landfills
• Commerce thrives in balance with ecology

And we’re building that world one spoon, one tray, one cup at a time.

FAQs

When was Ecopha founded?
Ecopha began its journey in 2008 in Malaysia, focused on developing sustainable packaging alternatives made from natural materials.

Why did Ecopha expand to Australia?
We expanded to Australia in 2013 to better serve regional markets and collaborate with government, retail, and foodservice sectors seeking plastic-free solutions.

What makes Ecopha.shop unique in the sustainable packaging space?
We are a curated platform that supports vendors of bamboo, wood, paper, and plant fiber products - prioritizing compostability, ethical sourcing, and end-of-life clarity.

How has Ecopha impacted the fight against plastic waste?
To date, our platform has helped displace millions of single-use plastic items with compostable or recyclable alternatives made from renewable materials.

​What’s next in Ecopha’s journey?
We’re expanding our vendor network, developing innovative fiber-based formats, and enhancing the circularity of our ecosystem by collaborating with composting and recycling providers.